Osteoarthritis and Its Management

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease in which there is decreased production of hyaline cartilage, protective cushion in the knee joint and also decreased production of lubricant called synovial fluid. As the cushion tissue between the bones the upper and the lower legs touch each other, it results in increased friction as they touch each other directly. This starts damaging the surface and slowly erodes the bony tissue.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis:

The most common symptoms are,

1. Deep achy joint pain exacerbated by excessive use. This is the primary symptom of osteoarthritis. Thereby squatting, climbing up and down the stairs and lifting heavy weight are strongly not allowed.
2. The mobility of the joint greatly decreases and crackling noises heard during movement.
3. Affected joint may become stiff in the morning.

How to Diagnose Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is best assessed by taking an x-ray of the affected joint.

Treatment of Osteoarthritis:

• Start physical exercises for the specific joint affected.
• The best way to overcome the problem is to build good mass of muscles around the joint as these muscles encircle the joint and provide stability to the joint and thereby decreases the pain by more than 50%.
• Should take Calcium and vitamin D tablets once in a day.
• Should expose yourself to early morning sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Topical use of pain ointments may help temporarily.

If problem still persists then consult a specialist.

To know more regarding joint pain consult an osteoarthritis specialist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/orthopaedician-and-traumatologist/osteoarthritis